08.024
Library: Duryodhana narrates the story of Tripura from the Markandeya Purana, where the gods appointed the superior Lord Brahma as charioteer of Lord Shiva, to convince Shalya of the task ahead. He also narrates the story of sage Jamadagni and how Karna, who has received a divine weapon from Jamadagni, can't be inferior.
duryodhana uvāca॥
Duryodhana said:
bhūya eva tu madreśa yatte vakṣyāmi tacchṛṇu। yathā purā vṛttamidaṃ yuddhe devāsure vibho ॥8-24-1॥
"O King of Madra, listen again to what I am about to tell you. It is about what happened in the ancient battle between the gods and demons, O mighty one."
yad uktavān pitur mahyaṃ mārkaṇḍeyo mahān ṛṣiḥ। tadaśeṣeṇa bruvato mama rājarṣisattama ॥ tvaṃ nibodha na cāpy atra kartavyā te vicāraṇā ॥8-24-2॥
The great sage Mārkaṇḍeya conveyed to me what my father said, and you should understand it fully, O best of royal sages, without any need for further consideration here.
devānāmasurāṇāṃ ca mahānāsītsamāgamaḥ। babhūva prathamo rājansaṅgrāmastārakāmayaḥ ॥ nirjitāśca tadā daityā daivatairiti naḥ śrutam ॥8-24-3॥
A great assembly of gods and demons took place. The first battle, O king, was for Tārakā. It is said that the demons were then defeated by the gods.
nirjiteṣu ca daityeṣu tārakasya sutāstrayaḥ। tārākṣaḥ kamalākṣaśca vidyunmālī ca pārthiva ॥8-24-4॥
Among the demons who were conquered, there were three sons of Tāraka: Tārākṣa, Kamalākṣa, and Vidyunmālī, who were kings.
tapa ugraṃ samāsthāya niyame parame sthitāḥ। tapasā karśayāmāsurdehānsvāñśatrutāpana ॥8-24-5॥
The tormentors of enemies, having undertaken fierce austerity and situated in supreme discipline, emaciated their own bodies through their rigorous practices.
damena tapasā caiva niyamena ca pārthiva। teṣāṃ pitāmahaḥ prīto varadaḥ pradadau varān ॥8-24-6॥
O king, by self-control, austerity, and discipline, their grandfather, who was pleased, granted them boons as the giver of boons.
avadhyatvaṃ ca te rājansarvabhūteṣu sarvadā। sahitā varayāmāsuḥ sarvalokapitāmaham ॥8-24-7॥
O King, invincibility among all beings was always yours; together they chose the grandsire of all worlds.
tān abravīt tadā devo lokānāṃ prabhur īśvaraḥ। nāsti sarvāmara-tvaṃ hi nivartadhvam ato'surāḥ॥ varam anyaṃ vṛṇīdhvaṃ vai yādṛśaṃ samprarocate॥ 8-24-8॥
Then the god, the lord of the worlds, addressed the demons, telling them that there is no immortality for anyone. He advised them to turn back and choose another boon that they find pleasing.
tataste sahitā rājansampradhāryāsakṛdbahuḥ। sarvalokeśvaraṃ vākyaṃ praṇamyainamathābruvan ॥8-24-9॥
Then they, together, O king, after much consideration and repeatedly bowing to the lord of all worlds, addressed him with these words.
asmākaṃ tvaṃ varaṃ deva prayacchemaṃ pitāmaha। vayaṃ purāṇi trīṇyeva samāsthāya mahīmimām ॥ vicariṣyāma loke'smiṃstvatprasādapuraskṛtāḥ ॥8-24-10॥
"O god, grant us this boon, grandfather. We shall establish these three ancient ones and move on this earth, favored by your grace in this world."
tato varṣasahasre tu sameṣyāmaḥ parasparam। ekībhāvaṃ gamiṣyanti purāṇyetāni cānagha ॥8-24-11॥
Then, after a thousand years, we shall meet each other. These ancient texts, O sinless one, will come together in unity.
samāgatāni caitāni yo hanyādbhagavaṃstadā। ekeṣuṇā devavaraḥ sa no mṛtyurbhaviṣyati ॥ evamastviti tāndevaḥ pratyuktvā prāviśaddivam ॥8-24-12॥
The assembled beings, O Lord, if one were to slay them with a single arrow, O best of gods, he would become our death. Thus, having said so, the god returned to heaven.
te tu labdhavarāḥ prītāḥ sampradhārya parasparam। puratrayavisṛṣṭyarthaṃ mayaṃ vavrumahāsuram ॥ viśvakarmāṇamajaraṃ daityadānavapūjitam ॥8-24-13॥
Having received boons and being pleased, they discussed among themselves and chose the great demon Maya to destroy the three cities. The ageless Visvakarman, revered by the Daityas and Danavas, was involved.
tato mayaḥ svatapasā cakre dhīmān purāṇi ha। trīṇi kāñcanam ekaṃ tu raupyaṃ kārṣṇāyasaṃ tathā ॥8-24-14॥
Then the wise Maya, through his own penance, created three ancient cities: one of gold, one of silver, and one of iron.
kāñcanaṁ divi tatrāsīdantarikṣe ca rājatam। āyasaṁ cābhavadbhūmau cakrasthaṁ pṛthivīpate ॥8-24-15॥
"Gold was present in the sky, silver in the atmosphere, and iron on the earth, O lord of the earth, within the wheel."
ekaikaṁ yojanaśataṁ vistārāyāmasaṁmitam। gṛhāṭṭāṭṭālakayutaṁ bṛhatprākāratoraṇam ॥8-24-16॥
Each structure was vast, measuring a hundred yojanas in both length and breadth, adorned with houses and attics, and featured large ramparts and gateways.
guṇaprasavasambādhamasambādhamanāmayam। prāsādairvividhaiścaiva dvāraiścāpyupaśobhitam ॥8-24-17॥
The place was filled with qualities, yet unobstructed and free from disease, adorned with various palaces and gates.
pureṣu cābhavanrājanrājāno vai pṛthakpṛthak। kāñcanaṃ tārakākṣasya citramāsīnmahātmanaḥ ॥ rājataṃ kamalākṣasya vidyunmālina āyasam ॥8-24-18॥
In the cities, O king, various kings emerged separately. The gold belonging to Tārakākṣa was remarkable, as he was a great soul. The silver belonging to Kamalākṣa, Vidyunmālin, was like iron.
trayaste daityarājānastrīṁllokānāśu tejasā। ākramya tasthurvarṣāṇāṁ pūgānnāma prajāpatiḥ ॥8-24-19॥
The three demon kings, known as Prajapati, swiftly conquered the three worlds with their brilliance and stood firm for countless years.
teṣāṃ dānavamukhyānāṃ prayutānyarbudāni ca। koṭyaścāprativīrāṇāṃ samājagmustatastataḥ ॥ mahadaiśvaryamicchantastripuraṃ durgamāśritāḥ ॥8-24-20॥
The chiefs of the demons, numbering in tens and hundreds of millions, along with crores of unmatched heroes, gathered from various places, seeking great prosperity, and took refuge in the fort of Tripura.
sarveṣāṃ ca punasteṣāṃ sarvayogavaho mayaḥ। tamāśritya hi te sarve avartantākutobhayāḥ ॥8-24-21॥
"Of all beings and again of them, illusion is the bearer of all unions. Having resorted to that, indeed, they all moved without fear."
yo hi yaṃ manasā kāmaṃ dadhyau tripurasaṃśrayaḥ। tasmai kāmaṃ mayastaṃ taṃ vidadhe māyayā tadā ॥8-24-22॥
Tripurasaṃśraya, who meditated upon a desire with his mind, was granted that desire by Maya through illusion at that time.
tārakākṣasutaścāsīddharirnāma mahābalaḥ। tapastepe paramakaṃ yenātuṣyatpitāmahaḥ ॥8-24-23॥
Hari, the mighty son of Tāraka, performed such supreme penance that it pleased the grandfather.
sa tuṣṭamavṛṇoddevaṃ vāpī bhavatu naḥ pure। śastrairvinihatā yatra kṣiptāḥ syurbalavattarāḥ ॥8-24-24॥
He chose the pleased god, or let it be in our city, where those who were killed by weapons may become stronger.
sa tu labdhvā varaṃ vīrastārakākṣasuto hariḥ। sasṛje tatra vāpīṃ tāṃ mṛtānāṃ jīvanīṃ prabho ॥8-24-25॥
Hari, the heroic son of Tārakākṣa, after receiving the boon, created a pond there that could revive the dead, O lord.
yena rūpeṇa daityastu yena veṣeṇa caiva ha। mṛtastasyāṃ parikṣiptastādṛśenaiva jajñivān ॥8-24-26॥
The demon, who was in a certain form and disguise, was certainly dead and surrounded in that manner, and was reborn in the same way.
tāṃ prāpya traipurastāstu sarvāṁllokānbabādhire। mahatā tapasā siddhāḥ surāṇāṃ bhayavardhanāḥ ॥ na teṣāmabhavadrājankṣayo yuddhe kathañcana ॥8-24-27॥
Upon obtaining her, the residents of Tripura, who were perfected beings, oppressed all the worlds with their great penance, increasing fear among the gods. O king, they faced no destruction in battle whatsoever.
tataste lobhamohābhyāmabhibhūtā vicetasaḥ। nirhrīkāḥ sansthitiṃ sarve sthāpitāṃ samalūlupan ॥8-24-28॥
Then, overwhelmed by greed and delusion, they lost their sense of right and wrong, shamelessly coveting the established position.
vidrāvya sagaṇāndevāṃstatra tatra tadā tadā। viceruḥ svena kāmena varadānena darpitāḥ ॥8-24-29॥
"Having driven away the gods and their groups from place to place, they roamed as they pleased, emboldened by the boon they had received."
devāraṇyāni sarvāṇi priyāṇi ca divaukasām। ṛṣīṇāmāśramānpuṇyānyūpāñjanapadāṃstathā ॥ vyanāśayanta maryādā dānavā duṣṭacāriṇaḥ ॥8-24-30॥
The wicked demons destroyed all the divine forests cherished by the celestial beings, the sacred hermitages of the sages, and the nearby settlements, along with their boundaries.
te devāḥ sahitāḥ sarve pitāmahamariṃdama। abhijagmustadākhyātuṃ viprakāraṃ suretaraiḥ ॥8-24-31॥
The gods, united, went to the grandsire, the subduer of enemies, to inform him of the insult caused by the non-divine beings.
te tattvaṁ sarvamākhyāya śirasābhipraṇamya ca। vadho'pāyamapṛcchanta bhagavantaṁ pitāmaham ॥8-24-32॥
After narrating the entire truth, they bowed their heads and inquired from the venerable grandfather about the means to kill.
śrutvā tadbhagavāndewo dewānidamuwāca ha। asurāśca durātmānas te cāpi vibudhādviṣaḥ॥ aparādhyanti satataṃ ye yuṣmān pīḍayantyuta॥ 8-24-33॥
Upon hearing this, the blessed Lord addressed the gods, saying: "The demons, who are wicked and adversaries of the wise, are constantly committing offenses and causing you distress."
ahaṁ hi tulyaḥ sarveṣāṁ bhūtānāṁ nātra saṁśayaḥ। adhārmikāstu hantavyā ityahaṁ prabravīmi vaḥ ॥8-24-34॥
I am impartial to all beings; there is no doubt about it. However, I declare to you that the unrighteous must be punished.
te yūyaṃ sthāṇum īśānaṃ jiṣṇum akliṣṭakāriṇam। yoddhāraṃ vṛṇutādityāḥ sa tān hantā suretarān ॥8-24-35॥
"O Adityas, choose the steadfast and victorious lord who acts effortlessly as your warrior; he will destroy those who are not divine."
iti tasya vacaḥ śrutvā devāḥ śakrapurogamāḥ। brahmāṇamagratḥ kṛtvā vṛṣāṅkaṃ śaraṇaṃ yayuḥ ॥8-24-36॥
Upon hearing his words, the gods, with Indra at the forefront, approached Shiva, seeking refuge, with Brahma leading the way.
tapaḥ paraṃ samātasthurgṛṇanto brahma śāśvatam। ṛṣibhiḥ saha dharmajñā bhavaṃ sarvātmanā gatāḥ ॥8-24-37॥
Engaged in supreme austerity and praising the eternal Absolute, they, along with the sages who were knowers of dharma, went with all their being.
tuṣṭuvurvāgbhirarthyābhirbhayeṣvabhayakṛttamam। sarvĀtmānaṃ mahātmānaṃ yenĀptaṃ sarvamĀtmanĀ ॥8-24-38॥
They praised with meaningful words the greatest remover of fear, the soul of all, the great soul, by whom everything is attained through the self.
tapoviśeṣairbahubhiryogaṃ yo veda cātmanaḥ। yaḥ sāṅkhyamātmano veda yasya cātmā vaśe sadā ॥8-24-39॥
One who, through many special austerities, knows both yoga and the self, and who understands the Sankhya philosophy, always has his self under control.
te taṁ dadṛśur īśānaṁ tejorāśim umāpatim। ananyasadṛśaṁ loke vratavantam akalmaṣam ॥8-24-40॥
They beheld the lord, a radiant figure, the husband of Uma, unmatched in the world, who was steadfast in his vows and pure.
ekaṁ ca bhagavantaṁ te nānārūpamakalpayana। ātmanaḥ pratirūpāṇi rūpāṇyatha mahātmani ॥ parasparasya cāpaśyansarve paramavismitāḥ ॥8-24-41॥
They envisioned the Lord as one entity with diverse forms, reflecting their own counterparts, and then in the great soul. Everyone saw each other and was utterly amazed.
sarvabhūtamayaṃ ceśaṃ tamajaṃ jagataḥ patim। devā brahmarṣayaścaiva śirobhirdharaṇīṃ gatāḥ ॥8-24-42॥
The gods and sages, recognizing the lord who embodies all beings and is the unborn master of the universe, bowed down to the earth with their heads.
tān svastivākyenābhyarcya samutthāpya ca śaṅkaraḥ। brūta brūteti bhagavān smayamāno'bhyabhāṣata ॥8-24-43॥
Shankara, after offering words of blessing and helping them rise, smilingly said, "Speak, speak," addressing them.
tryambakeṇābhyanujñātāstataste'svasthacetasaḥ। namo namaste'stu vibho tata ityabruvanbhavam ॥8-24-44॥
After being permitted by Tryambaka, they, with disturbed minds, addressed Lord Shiva, saying, "Salutations, O Lord, let there be peace."
namo devātidevāya dhanvine cātimanyave। prajāpati-makha-ghnāya prajāpati-bhirīḍyase ॥8-24-45॥
Salutations to the supreme deity, the wielder of the bow, and the exceedingly proud one. You, who destroyed the sacrifice of Prajapati, are praised by the lords of creation.
namaḥ stutāya stutyāya stūyamānāya mṛtyave। vilohitāya rudrāya nīlagrīvāya śūline ॥8-24-46॥
Salutations to Rudra, the praised and praiseworthy, the one being praised, the embodiment of death, the red one, the blue-necked trident-bearer.
amoghāya mṛgākṣāya pravarāyudhayodhine। durvāraṇāya śukrāya brahmaṇe brahmacāriṇe ॥8-24-47॥
To the unfailing, deer-eyed, foremost warrior with weapons, irresistible Śukra, the Brahman, and the celibate sage.
īśānāyāprameyāya niyantre carmavāsase। taponityāya piṅgāya vratine kṛttivāsase ॥8-24-48॥
To the immeasurable lord, the controller, who wears skin, is eternally austere, tawny, vowed, and wears hides.
kumārapitre tryakṣāya pravarāyudhadhāriṇe। prapannārtivināśāya brahmadviṭsaṅghaghātine ॥8-24-49॥
To Kumāra, the father and three-eyed deity, who bears excellent weapons, and destroys the distress of those who surrender, annihilating the enemies of Brahman.
vanaspatīnāṃ pataye narāṇāṃ pataye namaḥ। gavāṃ ca pataye nityaṃ yajñānāṃ pataye namaḥ ॥8-24-50॥
Salutations to the lord of trees, men, cows, and sacrifices, eternally.
namo'stu te sasainyāya tryambakāyogratejase। manovākkarmabhirdeva tvāṃ prapannānbhajasva naḥ ॥8-24-51॥
Salutations to you, O three-eyed god with a fierce brilliance and an army. Protect us, who have surrendered to you, with our mind, speech, and actions.
tataḥ prasanno bhagavānsvāgatenābhinandya tān। provāca vyetu vastrāso brūta kiṃ karavāṇi vaḥ ॥8-24-52॥
Then, the pleased Lord welcomed them and said, "Do not be afraid. Tell me, what can I do for you?"
pitṛdevarṣisaṅghebhyō varē dattē mahātmanā। satkṛtya śaṅkaraṁ prāha brahmā lōkahitaṁ vacaḥ ॥8-24-53॥
Brahma, having honored Shankara, addressed the assembly of ancestors, gods, and sages, granting them a boon for the welfare of the world.
tavātisargāddeveśa prājāpatyamidaṃ padam। mayādhitiṣṭhatā datto dānavebhyo mahānvaraḥ ॥8-24-54॥
O Lord of the gods, from your great creation, this position related to Prajapati was granted by me as a significant boon to the Danavas.
tānatikrāntamaryādānnānyaḥ saṃhartumarhati। tvāmṛte bhūtabhavyeśa tvaṃ hyeṣāṃ pratyarirvadhe ॥8-24-55॥
"No one else can destroy those who have crossed their limits, except you, O lord of past and future, for you are indeed their enemy in destruction."
sa tvaṁ deva prapannānāṁ yācatāṁ ca divaukasām। kuru prasādaṁ deveśa dānavāñjahi śūlabhṛt ॥8-24-56॥
O god, please show favor to those who have surrendered and those who are asking, O lord of the gods, destroy the demons, O wielder of the trident.
śrībhagavānuvāca॥
The glorious Lord said:
hantavyāḥ śatravaḥ sarve yuṣmākamiti me matiḥ। na tvekoham vadhe teṣāṃ samartho vai suradviṣām ॥8-24-57॥
It is my belief that all your enemies should be slain. However, I alone am not capable of defeating those foes of the gods.
te yūyaṃ sahitāḥ sarve madīyenāstratejasā। jayadhvaṃ yudhi tāñśatrūnsaṅghāto hi mahābalaḥ ॥8-24-58॥
"You all, united by the power of my weapon, should conquer those enemies in battle, for the group is truly mighty."
devā ūcuḥ॥
The gods spoke:
asmattējōbalaṁ yāvattāvaddviguṇamēva ca। tēṣāmiti ha manyāmō dṛṣṭatējōbalā hi tē ॥8-24-59॥
"Our power and strength are indeed twice as much as theirs," thus we think, for we have seen their power and strength.
bhagavān uvāca॥
The Lord spoke:
vadhyās te sarvataḥ pāpā ye yuṣmāsv aparādhinaḥ। mama tejobalārdhena sarvāṁs tān ghnata śātravān ॥8-24-60॥
"Those who have sinned against you are to be killed wherever they are. Use half of my power and strength to destroy all those enemies."
devā ūcuḥ॥
The gods spoke:
bibhartuṃ tejaso'rdhaṃ te na śakṣyāmo maheśvara। sarveṣāṃ no balārdhena tvameva jahi śātravān ॥8-24-61॥
O great Lord, we cannot bear even half of your energy. You alone, with half of our strength, should destroy the enemies.
duryodhana uvāca॥
Duryodhana said:
tatas tatheti deveśas tair ukto rājasattama। ardham ādāya sarvebhyas tejasābhyadhiko'bhavat ॥8-24-62॥
Then, O best of kings, the lord of the gods, addressed by them as 'so be it', took half and became superior in brilliance to all.
sa tu devo balenāsītsarvebhyo balavattaraḥ। mahādeva iti khyātastadāprabhṛti śaṅkaraḥ ॥8-24-63॥
He was the strongest of all the gods by strength, and from that time, he became known as Mahadeva, Shankara.
tato'bravīnmahādevo dhanurbāṇadharastvaham। haniṣyāmi rathenājau tānripūnvai divaukasaḥ ॥8-24-64॥
Then Mahadeva declared, "I am the bearer of the bow and arrows. I shall defeat those enemies in battle with my chariot, O celestial beings."
te yūyaṃ me rathaṃ caiva dhanurbāṇaṃ tathaiva ca। paśyadhvaṃ yāvadadyaitānpātayāmi mahītale ॥8-24-65॥
"You all, see my chariot, bow, and arrows; today, I will make these fall to the ground."
devā ūcuḥ॥
The gods spoke:
mūrtisarvasvamādāya trailokyasya tatastataḥ। rathaṃ te kalpayiṣyāma deveśvara mahaujasam ॥8-24-66॥
"O Lord of the gods, having gathered all forms from the three worlds, I shall then create your chariot, which will be of immense power."
tathaiva buddhyā vihitaṃ viśvakarmakṛtaṃ śubham। tato vibudhaśārdūlāstaṃ rathaṃ samakalpayan ॥8-24-67॥
In the same manner, the wise ones, using their intellect, prepared the auspicious chariot crafted by Viśvakarman.
vandhuraṁ pṛthivīṁ devīṁ viśālapuramālinīm। saparvatavanadvīpāṁ cakrurbhūtadharāṁ tadā ॥8-24-68॥
At that time, they crafted the earth, a beautiful goddess adorned with vast cities, mountains, forests, and islands, serving as the supporter of all beings.
mandaraṁ parvataṁ cākṣaṁ jaṅghāstasya mahānadīḥ। diśaśca pradiśaścaiva parivāraṁ rathasya hi ॥8-24-69॥
The Mandara mountain serves as the axle of the chariot, with its wheels being the great rivers. The directions and sub-directions form the surroundings of the chariot.
anukarṣāngrahāndīptānvarūthaṃ cāpi tārakāḥ। dharmārthakāmasaṃyuktaṃ triveṇuṃ cāpi bandhuraṃ॥
The attractions of the shining planets and stars, along with the beautiful three flutes, are combined with dharma, artha, and kāma.
sūryācandramasau kṛtvā cakre rathavarottame। pakṣau pūrvāparau tatra kṛte rātryahanī śubhe ॥8-24-71॥
He created the best of chariots by placing the sun and moon. There, the two sides, east and west, were established as the auspicious night and day.
daśa nāgapatīnīṣāṃ dhṛtarāṣṭramukhāndṛḍhām। dyāṃ yugaṃ yugacarmāṇi saṃvartakabalāhakān ॥8-24-72॥
The ten serpent queens, led by Dhritarashtra, stood firm, encompassing the sky, the ages, their ancient skins, and the clouds of dissolution.
śamyāṃ dhṛtiṃ ca medhāṃ ca sthitiṃ saṃnatimeva ca। grahanakṣatratārābhiścarma citraṃ nabhastalam ॥8-24-73॥
In the evening, there is steadiness, intelligence, position, and indeed humility; the sky, adorned with planets, stars, and constellations, appears wonderfully like a skin.
surāmbupretavittānāṃ patīṁllokeśvarānhayān। sinīvālimanumatiṃ kuhūṃ rākāṃ ca suvratām ॥ yoktrāṇi cakruvāhānāṃ rohakāṃścāpi kaṇṭhakam ॥8-24-74॥
The deities associated with liquor, water, spirits, wealth, and worldly domains, along with the goddesses Sinivali, Anumati, Kuhu, and the virtuous Raka, prepared the yokes, harnesses, and girths for the vehicles.
karma satyaṁ tapo'rthaśca vihitāstatra raśmayaḥ। adhiṣṭhānaṁ manastvāsītparirathyaṁ sarasvatī ॥8-24-75॥
Action, truth, austerity, and purpose were established there as rays. The mind was indeed the foundation, encircling Saraswati.
nānāvarṇāśca citrāśca patākāḥ pavaneritāḥ। vidyudindradhanurnaddhaṃ rathaṃ dīptaṃ vyadīpayat ॥8-24-76॥
The chariot, adorned with various colored and bright flags waving in the wind, and decorated with lightning and a rainbow, shone brilliantly.
evaṃ tasminmahārāja kalpite rathasattame। devairmanujaśārdūla dviṣatāmabhimardane ॥8-24-77॥
Thus, O great king, in that best of chariots arranged by the gods, you, O tiger among men, crushed the enemies.
svānyāyudhāni mukhyāni nyadadhācchaṅkaro rathe। rathayaṣṭiṃ viyatkṛṣṭāṃ sthāpayāmāsa govṛṣam ॥8-24-78॥
Shankara placed his principal weapons on the chariot and set up the chariot's pole, which was drawn from the sky, with Nandi.
brahmadaṇḍaḥ kāladaṇḍo rudradaṇḍastathā jvaraḥ। pariskandā rathasyāsya sarvatodiśamudyatāḥ ॥8-24-79॥
The divine powers and fever encircle this chariot from all directions, poised for action.
atharvāṅgirasāv āstāṃ cakrarakṣau mahātmanaḥ। ṛgvedaḥ sāmavedaś ca purāṇaṃ ca puraḥsarāḥ ॥8-24-80॥
Atharva and Angiras, the great souls, were protectors of the wheel. The Rigveda, Samaveda, and Purana were at the forefront.
itihāsayajurvedau pṛṣṭharakṣau babhūvatuḥ। divyā vācaśca vidyāśca paripārśvacarāḥ kṛtāḥ ॥8-24-81॥
History and the Yajurveda became the protectors of the back, while divine speech and knowledge were made their attendants.
tottrādayaśca rājendra vaṣaṭkārastathaiva ca। oṅkāraśca mukhe rājannatiśobhākaro'bhavat ॥8-24-82॥
O King, the whip and other sounds, along with the sacrificial exclamation and the sacred syllable Om, became very splendid in the mouth.
vicitramṛtubhiḥ ṣaḍbhiḥ kṛtvā saṁvatsaraṁ dhanuḥ। tasmānnṝṇāṁ kālarātrirjyā kṛtā dhanuṣo'jarā ॥8-24-83॥
The six varied seasons form a year, likened to a bow, and thus the night of time becomes the ageless string of the bow for men.
iṣuś cāpy abhavad viṣṇur jvalanaḥ soma eva ca। agnīṣomau jagat kṛtsnaṃ vaiṣṇavaṃ cocyate jagat ॥8-24-84॥
The arrow transformed into Vishnu, fire, and the moon. Agni and Soma are considered to encompass the entire world associated with Vishnu.
viṣṇuścātmā bhagavato bhavasyāmitatejasaḥ। tasmāddhanurjyāsaṃsparśaṃ na viṣehurharasya te ॥8-24-85॥
Vishnu, being the soul of the divine and of Shiva who possesses immeasurable splendor, they could not endure the touch of Shiva's bowstring.
tasmiñśare tigmamanyurmumocāviṣahaṃ prabhuḥ। bhṛgvaṅgiromanyubhavaṃ krodhāgnimatiduḥsaham ॥8-24-86॥
The lord released an unbearable and sharp anger in that arrow, a wrathful fire born from the anger of Bhrigu and Angiras, which was extremely difficult to endure.
sa nīlalohito dhūmraḥ kṛttivāsā bhayaṅkaraḥ। ādityāyutasaṅkāśastejojvālāvṛto jvalan ॥8-24-87॥
He is blue-red and smoky, wearing a hide and fearsome in appearance. He shines like ten thousand suns, enveloped in flames of energy, blazing intensely.
duścyāvaścyāvano jetā hantā brahmadviṣāṃ haraḥ। nityaṃ trātā ca hantā ca dharmādharmāśritāñjanān ॥8-24-88॥
Hara (Shiva) is the immovable mover, the conqueror and destroyer of those who hate Brahman. He is eternally the protector and destroyer of people who take refuge in both righteousness and unrighteousness.
pramāthibhirghorarūpairbhīmodagrairgaṇairvṛtaḥ। vibhāti bhagavānsthāṇustairevātmaguṇairvṛtaḥ ॥8-24-89॥
The blessed Lord Śiva, surrounded by fierce and terrible beings, shines forth, enveloped by his own divine qualities.
tasyāṅgāni samāśritya sthitaṁ viśvamidaṁ jagat। jaṅgamājaṅgamaṁ rājañśuśubhe'dbhutadarśanam ॥8-24-90॥
O king, having resorted to his limbs, this entire universe, both moving and non-moving, appeared as a wonderful sight.
dṛṣṭvā tu taṃ rathaṃ divyaṃ kavacī sa śarāsanī। bāṇamādatta taṃ divyaṃ somaviṣṇvagnisambhavam ॥8-24-91॥
Upon seeing the divine chariot, armored and equipped with a bow, he took up the divine arrow that was born from Soma, Vishnu, and Agni.
tasya vājāṃs tato devāḥ kalpayāṃ cakrire vibhoḥ। puṇyagandhavahaṃ rājañ śvasanaṃ rājasattama ॥8-24-92॥
Then the gods arranged his horses, O lord, which carried an auspicious fragrance, O king, as the breath of the best of kings.
tamāsthāya mahādevastrāsayandaivatānyapi। āruroha tadā yattaḥ kampayanniva rodasī ॥8-24-93॥
Mahadeva, taking on that form and even instilling fear in the gods, ascended with great focus, as if causing the heavens and the earth to tremble.
sa śobhamāno varadaḥ khaḍgī bāṇī śarāsanī। hasannivābravīddevo sārathiḥ ko bhaviṣyati ॥8-24-94॥
The god, appearing radiant and as if smiling, equipped with a sword, arrows, and a bow, asked, "Who will be the charioteer?"
tam abruvan devagaṇā yaṁ bhavān saṁniyoḳṣyate। sa bhaviṣyati deveśa sārathis te na sanśayaḥ ॥8-24-95॥
The gods assured him, "The one you choose, O lord of the gods, will undoubtedly become your charioteer."
tān abravīt punar devo mattaḥ śreṣṭhataraḥ hi yaḥ। taṃ sārathiṃ kurudhvaṃ me svayaṃ sañcintya mā ciram ॥8-24-96॥
The god spoke to them again, saying: "Choose the one who is truly superior to me as my charioteer without delay, after careful consideration."
etacchrutvā tato devā vākyamuktaṃ mahātmanā। gatvā pitāmahaṃ devaṃ prasādyaivaṃ vaco'bruvan ॥8-24-97॥
Upon hearing this, the gods went to the grandsire god, pleased him, and then spoke these words.
deva tvayedam kathitaṃ tridaśārinibarhaṇam। tathā ca kṛtamasmābhiḥ prasanno vṛṣabhadhvajaḥ ॥8-24-98॥
O god, you have told us about the destroyer of the enemies of the gods. Accordingly, we have acted, and the one with the bull banner is pleased.
rathaśca vihito'smābhirvicitrāyudhasaṁvṛtaḥ। sārathiṁ tu na jānīmaḥ kaḥ syāttasminrathottame ॥8-24-99॥
The chariot has been prepared by us and is covered with various weapons, but we do not know who the charioteer might be in that excellent chariot.
tasmād vidhīyatāṃ kaścit sārathir devasattama। saphalāṃ tāṃ giraṃ deva kartum arhasi no vibho ॥8-24-100॥
Therefore, O best of the gods, appoint a charioteer. O god, you should fulfill that speech for us, O lord.
evamasmāsu hi purā bhagavannuktavānasi। hitaṃ kartāsmi bhavatāmiti tatkartumarhasi ॥8-24-101॥
O Lord, you have previously assured us, "I will act for your benefit," so now you should fulfill that promise.
sa deva yukto rathasattamo no; durāvaro drāvaṇaḥ śātravāṇām। pinākapāṇirvihito'tra yoddhā; vibhīṣayandānavānudyato'sau ॥8-24-102॥
He, the divine charioteer, is unmatched and scatters the foes. The wielder of Pinaka is designated here as a warrior, instilling fear in the demons, he stands prepared.
tathaiva vedāścaturo hayāgryā; dharā saśailā ca ratho mahātman। nakṣatravaṃśo'nugato varūthe; yasminyoddhā sārathinābhirakṣyaḥ ॥8-24-103॥
In the same way, O great one, the four Vedas, the foremost horses, the earth with its mountains, and the chariot are present. The lineage of stars follows in the troop where the warrior is protected by the charioteer.
tatra sārathireṣṭavyaḥ sarvairetairviśeṣavān। tatpratiṣṭho ratho deva hayā yoddhā tathaiva ca ॥ kavacāni ca śastrāṇi kārmukaṃ ca pitāmaha ॥8-24-104॥
There, the charioteer should be chosen by all these distinguished ones. That chariot, O god, is well-established with horses, warriors, and indeed also equipped with armors, weapons, and a bow, O grandfather.
tvāmṛte sārathiṃ tatra nānyaṃ paśyāmahe vayam। tvaṃ hi sarvairguṇairyukto devatābhyo'dhikaḥ prabho ॥ sārathye tūrṇamāroha saṃyaccha paramānhayān ॥8-24-105॥
"O lord, we see no other charioteer there except you. You are indeed endowed with all qualities, superior even to the gods. Quickly ascend to the chariot and control the excellent horses."
iti te śirasā natvā trilokeśaṃ pitāmaham। devāḥ prasādayāmāsuḥ sārathyāyeti naḥ śrutam ॥8-24-106॥
Thus, we have heard that the gods, having bowed their heads to the lord of the three worlds, the grandfather, appeased him for the role of charioteer.
brahmovāca॥
Brahma said:
nātra kiñcinmṛṣā vākyaṃ yaduktaṃ vo divaukasaḥ। saṃyacchāmi hayāneṣa yudhyato vai kapardinaḥ ॥8-24-107॥
"There is nothing false in what is said to you, O gods. I restrain the horses of Kapardin, who is indeed fighting."
tataḥ sa bhagavāndevo lokasraṣṭā pitāmahaḥ। sārathye kalpito devairīśānasya mahātmanaḥ ॥8-24-108॥
Then the blessed god, the creator of the world and grandfather, was appointed by the gods to be the charioteer of the great soul, Shiva.
tasminnārohati kṣipraṃ syandanaṃ lokapūjite। śirobhiragamaṃstūrṇaṃ te hayā vātaraṃhasaḥ ॥8-24-109॥
He quickly ascended the revered chariot, and those horses, swift as the wind, approached swiftly with their heads bowed.
maheśvare tvāruhati jānubhyām agaman mahīm। abhīśūn hi trilokeśaḥ saṅgṛhya prapitāmahaḥ। tān aśvān codayām āsa manomārutaraṃhasaḥ ॥8-24-111॥
Lord Shiva ascended with his knees to the earth. The lord of the three worlds, having seized the enemies, urged the horses, which were as swift as the mind and wind.
tato'dhirūḍhe varade prayāte cāsurānprati। sādhu sādhviti viśveśaḥ smayamāno'bhyabhāṣata ॥8-24-112॥
Then, as the boon-giver mounted and departed towards the demons, the lord of the universe smiled and said, "Well done, well done."
yāhi deva yato daityāścodayāśvānatandritaḥ। paśya bāhvorbalaṃ me'dya nighnataḥ śātravānraṇe ॥8-24-113॥
"Go, O god, to where the demons are and urge the untiring horses. Witness today the strength of my arms as they slay the enemies in battle."
tatastāṁścodayāmāsa vāyuvegasamāñjave। yena tattripuraṁ rājandaityadānavarakṣitam ॥8-24-114॥
Then he urged them, who were as swift as the wind, to attack Tripura, which was protected by demons and giants, O king.
athādhijyaṃ dhanuḥ kṛtvā śarvaḥ sandhāya taṃ śaram। yuktvā pāśupatāstreṇa tripuraṃ samacintayat ॥8-24-115॥
Then, Shiva strung his bow, fixed the arrow, empowered it with the Pashupata weapon, and contemplated the destruction of Tripura.
tasmin sthite tadā rājan kruddhe vidhṛta-kārmuke। purāṇi tāni kālena jagmur ekatvatāṃ tadā ॥8-24-116॥
In that state, O king, when you were angry and holding the bow, those ancient things eventually became one with time.
ekībhāvaṃ gate caiva tripure samupāgate। babhūva tumulo harṣo daivatānāṃ mahātmanām ॥8-24-117॥
When unity was achieved and Tripura was reached, the gods and the great souls experienced immense joy.
tato devagaṇāḥ sarve siddhāśca paramarṣayaḥ। jayetivāco mumucuḥ saṁstuvanto mudānvitāḥ ॥8-24-118॥
Then all the hosts of gods, perfected beings, and great sages joyfully praised and uttered words of victory.
tato'grataḥ prādurabhūttipuraṃ jaghnuṣo'surān। anirdeśyogravapuṣo devasyāsahyatejasaḥ ॥8-24-119॥
Then, in front of the god with unbearable brilliance and indescribable fierce form, appeared Tripura, the destroyer of demons.
sa tadvikṛṣya bhagavāndivyaṃ lokeśvaro dhanuḥ। trailokyasāraṃ tamiṣuṃ mumoca tripuraṃ prati ॥ tatsāsuragaṇaṃ dagdhvā prākṣipatpaścimārṇave ॥8-24-120॥
The blessed Lord, having drawn the divine bow, released the arrow, the essence of the three worlds, towards Tripura. After burning the host of demons, he cast it into the western ocean.
evaṃ tattripuraṃ dagdhaṃ dānavāścāpyaśeṣataḥ। maheśvareṇa kruddhena trailokyasya hitaiṣiṇā ॥8-24-121॥
In this way, the city of Tripura was destroyed, and the demons were annihilated entirely by the wrathful Maheshvara, who seeks the welfare of the three worlds.
sa cātmakrodhajo vahnirhāhetyuktvā nivāritaḥ। mā kārṣīrbhasmasāllokāniti tryakṣo'bravīcca tam ॥8-24-122॥
The fire born of his own anger was restrained when he exclaimed 'Alas!' The three-eyed deity, Shiva, advised him, 'Do not turn the worlds to ashes.'
tataḥ prakṛtimāpannā devā lokāstatharṣayaḥ। tuṣṭuvurvāgbhirarthyābhiḥ sthāṇumapratimaujasam ॥8-24-123॥
Then, having returned to their natural state, the gods, worlds, and sages praised the steadfast one with eloquent and meaningful words, recognizing his unparalleled strength.
te'anujñātā bhagavatā jagmuḥ sarve yathāgatam। kṛtakāmāḥ prasannena prajāpati-mukhāḥ surāḥ ॥8-24-124॥
Permitted by the Lord, all the gods, headed by Prajapati, returned to their original places, having fulfilled their desires and being pleased.
yathaiva bhagavān brahmā lokadhātā pitāmahaḥ। saṃyaccha tvaṃ hayānasya rādheyasya mahātmanaḥ ॥8-24-125॥
"Just as the revered Brahma, the grandsire and supporter of the worlds, you must restrain the chariot of Radheya, the noble soul."
tvaṁ hi kṛṣṇācca karṇācca phalgunācca viśeṣataḥ। viśiṣṭo rājaśārdūla nāsti tatra vicāraṇā ॥8-24-126॥
"You are indeed more distinguished than Krishna, Karna, and Phalguna, especially, O tiger among kings. There is no doubt about it."
yuddhe hyayaṁ rudrakalpastvaṁ ca brahmasamo'nagha। tasmācchaktau yuvāṁ jetuṁ macchatruṁstāvivasurān ॥8-24-127॥
In the battle, this one is indeed like Rudra, and you are akin to Brahma, O sinless one. Therefore, you both have the power to defeat my enemies just like those two demons.
yathā śalyādya karṇo'yaṃ śvetāśvaṃ kṛṣṇasārathim। pramathya hanyātkāunteyaṃ tathā śīghraṃ vidhīyatām ॥8-24-128॥
Karna, along with Śalya and others, should swiftly defeat and kill Arjuna, the white-horsed charioteer of Krishna. Let this be executed quickly.
tvayi karṇaśca rājyaṃ ca vayaṃ caiva pratiṣṭhitāḥ ॥8-24-128॥
In you, both Karna and the kingdom, as well as we, are firmly established.
imaṁ cāpyaparaṁ bhūya itihāsaṁ nibodha me। piturmama sakāśe yaṁ brāhmaṇaḥ prāha dharmavit ॥8-24-129॥
"Listen to another story that the Brahmin, who knows dharma, told in my father's presence."
śrutvā caitadvacaścitram hetukāryārthasaṁhitam। kuru śalya viniścitya mā bhūdatra vicāraṇā ॥8-24-130॥
Upon hearing this remarkable speech, which is composed of cause, effect, and meaning, O Shalya, make your decision and do not waver in consideration here.
bhārgavāṇāṃ kule jāto jamadagniḥmahātapāḥ। tasya rāmeti vikhyātaḥ putrastejo guṇānvitaḥ ॥8-24-131॥
Jamadagni, born in the family of the Bhargavas, was a great ascetic. His son, known as Rama, was renowned for his brilliance and virtues.
sa tīvraṃ tapa āsthāya prasādayitavānbhavam। astrahetoḥ prasannātmā niyataḥ saṃyatendriyaḥ ॥8-24-132॥
He undertook intense penance and pleased Lord Shiva to obtain weapons, maintaining a serene mind, discipline, and control over his senses.
tasya tuṣṭo mahādevo bhaktyā ca praśamena ca। hṛdgataṃ cāsya vijñāya darśayāmāsa śaṅkaraḥ ॥8-24-133॥
Shankara, pleased by his devotion and tranquility, understood what was in his heart and revealed himself to him.
īśvara uvāca॥
The Lord spoke:
rāma tuṣṭo'smi bhadraṃ te viditaṃ me tavepsitam। kuruṣva pūtamātmānaṃ sarvametadavāpsyasi ॥8-24-134॥
Rama, I am pleased with you. I know your desire. Purify yourself, and you will achieve all this.
dāsyāmi te tadāstrāṇi yadā pūto bhaviṣyasi। apātram asamarthaṃ ca dahanty astrāṇi bhārgava ॥8-24-135॥
"I will give you those weapons when you are purified. Weapons destroy those who are unworthy and incapable, O Bhārgava."
ityukto jāmadagnyastu devadevena śūlinā। pratyuvāca mahātmānaṃ śirasāvanataḥ prabhum ॥8-24-136॥
Thus addressed by the god of gods, the trident-bearer, Jamadagni's son replied to the great soul, bowing his head to the lord.
yadā jānāsi deveśa pātraṃ māmastradhāraṇe। tadā śuśrūṣate'strāṇi bhavānme dātumarhati ॥8-24-137॥
"O lord of the gods, when you recognize my worthiness in bearing weapons, then you should grant me the weapons as I am eager to learn."
duryodhana uvāca॥
Duryodhana said:
tataḥ sa tapasā caiva damena niyamena ca। pūjopahārabalibhirhomamantrapuraskṛtaiḥ ॥8-24-138॥
Then he performed worship with austerity, self-control, and discipline, accompanied by offerings, oblations, sacrificial fire, and mantras.
ārādhayitavāñśarvaṃ bahūnvarṣagaṇāṃstadā। prasannaśca mahādevo bhārgavasya mahātmanaḥ ॥8-24-139॥
Bhargava, the great soul, worshipped Lord Shiva for many years, and then Lord Shiva was pleased with him.
abravīttasya bahuśo guṇāndevyāḥ samīpataḥ। bhaktimāneṣa satataṃ mayi rāmo dṛḍhavrataḥ ॥8-24-140॥
He frequently spoke of his virtues in the presence of the goddess, saying: 'This Rama is devoted and always steadfast in his vows to me.'
evaṃ tasya guṇānprīto bahuśo'kathayatprabhuḥ। devatānāṃ pitṝṇāṃ ca samakṣamarisūdanaḥ ॥8-24-141॥
Thus, the lord, pleased with his qualities, spoke many times in the presence of the gods and ancestors, O Arisudana.
etasmínneva kāle tu daityā āsanmahābalāḥ। taistadā darpamohāndhairabādhyanta divaukasaḥ ॥8-24-142॥
At that time, the demons, being very powerful, harassed the gods, blinded by their pride and delusion.
tataḥ sambhūya vibudhāstānhantuṃ kṛtaniścayāḥ। cakruḥ śatruvadhe yatnaṃ na śekurjetumeva te ॥8-24-143॥
Then, the wise ones gathered and decided to kill them, made efforts to slay the enemies, but they could not succeed in conquering them.
abhigamya tato devā maheśvaramathābruvan। prasādayantastaṃ bhaktyā jahi śatrugaṇāniti ॥8-24-144॥
The gods, having approached Lord Shiva, said with devotion, "Please destroy the host of enemies."
pratijñāya tato devo devatānāṃ ripukṣayam। rāmaṃ bhārgavamāhūya so'bhyabhāṣata śaṅkaraḥ ॥8-24-145॥
After making a vow for the destruction of the enemies of the gods, Lord Shankara called upon Rama, the descendant of Bhrigu, and spoke to him.
ripūnbhārgava devānāṃ jahi sarvānsamāgatān। lokānāṃ hitakāmārthaṃ matprītyarthaṃ tathaiva ca ॥8-24-146॥
O Bhargava, destroy all the enemies gathered for the gods, for the welfare of the worlds and to please me.
rāma uvāca॥
Rama said:
akṛtāstrasya deveśa kā śaktirme maheśvara। nihantuṃ dānavānsarvānkṛtāstrānyuddhadurmadān ॥8-24-147॥
O Lord of the gods, what power do I possess, O great Lord, to defeat all the demons who are skilled in weapons and arrogant in battle, while I am unskilled in weapons?
īśvara uvāca॥
The Lord spoke:
gaccha tvaṁ madanudhyānānnihaniṣyasi dānavān। vijitya ca ripūnsarvānguṇānprāpsyasi puṣkalān ॥8-24-148॥
"Go, by meditating on me, you will destroy the demons. After conquering all your enemies, you will gain abundant virtues."
duryodhana uvāca॥
Duryodhana said:
etacchrutvā ca vacanaṃ pratigṛhya ca sarvaśaḥ। rāmaḥ kṛtasvastyayanaḥ prayayau dānavānprati ॥8-24-149॥
Upon hearing and accepting the speech completely, Rama performed auspicious rites and set out towards the demons.
avadhīd devaśatrūṁs tān madadarpa-balānvitān। vajrāśanisamasparśaiḥ prahārair eva bhārgavaḥ ॥8-24-150॥
Bhārgava, with attacks as powerful as a thunderbolt, killed those enemies of the gods who were filled with pride, arrogance, and strength.
sa dānavaiḥ kṣatatanurjāmadagnyo dvijottamaḥ। saṃspṛṣṭaḥ sthāṇunā sadyo nirvraṇaḥ samajāyata ॥8-24-151॥
The son of Jamadagni, though wounded by the demons, was instantly healed by the touch of Shiva, becoming whole again.
prītaśca bhagavāndevaḥ karmaṇā tena tasya vai। varānprādādbrahmavide bhārgavāya mahātmane ॥8-24-152॥
The Lord, pleased by his actions, granted boons to Bhārgava, the great soul and knower of Brahman.
uktaśca devadevena prītiyuktena śūlinā। nipātāttava śastrāṇāṃ śarīre yābhavadrujā ॥8-24-153॥
The god of gods, with affection, spoke to you, the trident-holder, about the pain that arose on your body from the fall of your weapons.
tayā te mānuṣaṃ karma vyapoḍhaṃ bhṛgunandana। gṛhāṇāstrāṇi divyāni matsakāśādyathepsitam ॥8-24-154॥
"By her, your human actions have been nullified, O son of Bhrigu. Accept the divine weapons from me as you wish."
tato'strāṇi samastāni varāṁśca manasepsitān। labdhvā bahuvidhānrāmaḥ praṇamya śirasā śivam ॥8-24-155॥
Then Rama, having received all the various weapons and boons he desired in his mind, bowed his head to Shiva.
anujñāṃ prāpya deveśājjagāma sa mahātapāḥ। evametatpurāvṛttaṃ tadā kathitavānṛṣiḥ ॥8-24-156॥
The great ascetic, having received permission from the lord of the gods, departed. Thus, the sage narrated what had happened in the past.
bhārgavo'pyadadātsarvaṃ dhanurvedaṃ mahātmane। karṇāya puruṣavyāghra suprītenāntarātmanā ॥8-24-157॥
Bhrigu's descendant, with great affection and from the depths of his soul, imparted the entire knowledge of archery to Karna, the great soul and tiger among men.
vṛjinaṃ hi bhavetkiñcidyadi karṇasya pārthiva। nāsmai hyastrāṇi divyāni prādāsyadbhr̥gunandanaḥ ॥8-24-158॥
O king, if there were any sin in Karna, indeed, Bhrigu's descendant would not have bestowed upon him the divine weapons.
nāpi sūtakule jātaṃ karṇaṃ manye kathaṃcana। devaputramahaṃ manye kṣatriyāṇāṃ kulodbhavam ॥8-24-159॥
I believe that Karṇa was not born in the charioteer's family; somehow, I think he is the son of a god, born into the Kshatriya lineage.
sakuṇḍalaṃ sakavacaṃ dīrghabāhuṃ mahāratham। kathamādityasadṛśaṃ mṛgī vyāghraṃ janiṣyati ॥8-24-160॥
How can a doe give birth to a tiger who is adorned with earrings, armored, long-armed, and a great chariot-warrior, resembling the sun?
paśya hy asya bhujau pīnau nāgarājakaropamau। vakṣaḥ paśya viśālaṃ ca sarvaśatrunibarhaṇam ॥8-24-161॥
"Behold his strong arms, resembling the hands of the king of serpents. Observe his broad chest, capable of vanquishing all foes."
